Mayors seek help with ‘slow-occurring disaster’

NORTH SIMCOE – If nothing is to be done about falling water levels in Georgian Bay, then someone should at least take responsibility for the marinas, municipalities and property owners affected by the phenomenon.

That is the message the mayors of Midland, Penetanguishene, Tiny and Tay say must be delivered to Ottawa.

“We’re going to ask the federal government to help us accommodate (these stakeholders),” said Midland Mayor Gord McKay, who likened the request to an appeal for disaster relief.

“It’s sort of a slow-occurring disaster,” he explained. “Over years, we’ve lost the ability of marinas to earn their incomes, for towns to draw water.”

Last spring, the International Joint Commission – a body that advises the United States and Canadian governments on issues affecting the Great Lakes – decided against the use of major engineering projects to manage water flow, such as dams and other structures. Cost and the potential for environmental damage weighed heavily against intervention.

In light of that decision, said McKay, the mayors will not bother addressing the causes of lower water levels or possible methods to reverse it. Instead, they will focus on ways to address the harm being caused.

Mayors from all around Georgian Bay will meet Feb. 6 at sessions in Midland, Parry Sound and Owen Sound.

“Part of it is to gather a body of knowledge … and compare notes to see the types of harms and damages that are being done,” McKay said. “It’s also to lay out a go-forward plan if we’re going to speak to our ‘political masters’ at the province and up in Ottawa.”

Penetanguishene Mayor Gerry Marshall will prepare for the mayors’ meeting by hosting a public consultation on Jan. 31. Starting at 7 p.m. in Brian Orser Hall in the Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre, marina operators, shoreline residents, boaters and business owners will share their thoughts on the issue.

“The purpose of this session is to assist in better understanding and quantifying the impacts that declining water levels are having on our town,” said Marshall.

McKay is also seeking input from residents. Anyone with stories or information about the impact of declining water levels can send an email to gmckay@midland.ca.